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Monthly Archives: June 2013

An interesting article named ‘Where To Stay Now That SCOTUS Has Made Your Day’ was published on www.hotelchatter.com, a Hotel Review and Blog Site.

History was made today in the United States when the Supreme Court overturned the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” and rejected the anti-gay activists defense of California’s Proposition 8 which banned same sex marriage in that state. Hotel Chatter which is Conde Nast’s hotel blog released the following story “Where to stay now that the Supreme Court has made your Day?” which features Preferred Pride as one of their top recommendations.

Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, Preferred Pride offers consumers the extra level of reassurance many LGBT travellers seek when making their travel decisions. Each member of the collection takes extra steps to make sure you feel right at home by delivering individual attention, special rates, and a VIP amenity.

We’ve all heard the saying ‘find a balance between work and play’ and this is surely practised by many Maltese. The Maltese seek every possible occasion to celebrate, be it a personal celebration such as a family wedding, a local feast, carnival, and other yearly musical festivals. And come summer everyone is so eagerly waiting for the lazy months to relax by the beach and enjoy a lovely dip in the sea. But there is no exception for tourists that frequent the Maltese islands during the year seeking some quiet relaxation from the mundane life.

Having an ideal climate with mild wet winters and warm dry summers, Malta is a well sought destination for many tourists from all around the globe. And come summer what better way to enjoy life than some lazy summer days with a nice glass of wine or a cold beer and some nice music in the background.

Tourists on holiday in Malta do not simply seek the rich history and culture of Malta or the warm climate, they also want to party and enjoy lovely music. So if you are a music lover Malta is perfect for you! All year round there are several activities and concerts that are suited for different age groups and tastes. These events are the perfect occasion for a night out with friends or family.

Cultural Events
Some of the annual cultural events include the Valletta Baroque Festival, the Malta Jazz Festival, the Malta International Choir Festival and other Operas and recitals.

An annual musical event that has become increasingly popular in the local events calendar is the Malta International Jazz Festival which takes place on three evenings in July at the Ta’ Liesse in Valletta. This year the festival dates are from the 18th till the 20th July and includes a line-up of top international and Maltese artists. The Festival presents an eclectic mix of jazz styles from the current musical scene which suites various music tastes. The beauty of the Grand Harbour by nightsets the backdrop and as described by Mike Stern who played at this venue, the place is magnificent: ‘I have never played in a postcard before’.

The Valletta Baroque Festivalis another musical event centered around Valletta. It highlights Malta’s capital as a winter and cultural touristic destination. The aim of this Festival is to celebrate the baroque identity of our truly special capital city, Valletta.

The second edition of the Valletta Baroque Festival will take place between the 10th and the 26th January 2014. The Festival will be centered around the Manoel Theatre, however events will also extend to the magnificent St John’s Co-Cathedral, the atmospheric Valletta churches, the splendid Grandmasters’ Palace, the auberges and other baroque edifices. Although this is a musical event, the programme will also be touching on opera and theatre.

The Malta International Choir Festivalbesides being a festival, it is also a competition. It sees various choirs from different nations, cultures and religions performing and competing in a friendly atmosphere. The choirs vary by style and level. This Festival serves as a means of meeting music lovers from all over the world in a friendship concert. This year the event will take place from the 31st October to the 3rd November 2013 and is open to various categories of choirs which hail from all over the world.

Music Concerts and Festivals
In the past years several artists such as Elton John, Zucchero, Ronan Keating, Tom Jones, Rod Stewart and Sir Cliff Richard have visited Malta to perform during a live concert.

And the highlight of the music scene in Malta is the annual free live European Summer Music Concert, namely the Isle of MTV concert which is held at the Granaries in Floriana. Every year well known and world renowned artists perform at the yearly Isle of MTV concert. These concerts attract a huge audience consisting of both locals and tourists. In previous years, stars like Lady Gaga, Snoop Dog, Black Eyes Peas, LMFAO, and Scissor sisters have taken part.

This year the Isle of MTV concert took place on the 26th June and included top international artists Jessie J, Rita Ora, AfroJack and Rudimental. A local Maltese artist, Kristina Casolani, and the Maltese Eurovision star 2013 Gianluca Bezzina, also took part in this year’s well-sought concert. As was done in previous years the concert will be filmed and aired on MTV channels in the coming months.

For a fun-filled holiday in Malta stay in a Luxury Hotel in Malta close to Valletta and with easy access to all the attractions and events happening around Malta. And if you would like to enjoy a special five star holiday deal during next year’s Valletta International Baroque Festival check out our special Valletta Baroque Festival Offer.

Feasts in Malta – A unique feature of the holiday season on the Maltese Islands.

After the rainy winter months, by end of May, both locals and tourists would be looking forward to the much awaited ‘festa’ season in Malta.

Summer time in Malta is well known for its village feasts. Almost every weekend a town or a village is celebrating its patron saint’s feast. And as is typical with feasts they bring a lot of joy and positive vibes for both locals and tourists alike.

Maltese Feasts Preparations

A week before the feast the statue of the patron saint is placed in a prominent place in church. Religious functions are organised in church leading up to the feast day.

Nothing, not even the summer heat, stops the village enthusiasts from decorating the main streets with decorative banners. All the preparations for the feast are carried out by a group of local volunteers who sacrifice a lot of their free time in order to make sure that their town or village celebrates its feast in style.

Locals also get into the festive spirit by decorating their balconies with lights and pictures of their Patron Saint. House rooftops are also lit up with coloured festoons. From way in advance band clubs start practising the musical programmes and marches which will be played during feast day throughout the streets of the locality.

Feast Celebrations in Malta
On feast day the Maltese village is packed up with traditional and fast food stalls ranging from food kiosks selling burgers, hot dogs and quick snacks; to delicacies and toy stalls. In this lively atmosphere you are sure to witness children rushing around eating sweets and playing with toys their parents bought them from the stalls.

At the traditional stalls you will find typical Maltese nougat – ‘qubbajt’ made following traditional recipes from past generation. Other traditional delicacies also include the delicious “mqaret”. “Mqaret” are pastry stuffed with a concoction of dates fried in oil.

In the evening the feast celebrations start with the statue of the patron saint leaving the church accompanied by aerial fireworks. The statue together with the devotees is accompanied by the local band club playing hymns dedicated to the Saint.

As an end to the evening and to the festive celebrations fireworks illuminate the skies saluting the patron saint on its way back to the church. Ground fireworks are also displayed giving the night a spectacular display of colour and sound.

All in all Maltese feasts are a great experience for tourists to enjoy. Great food, beer, wine, music, fireworks and great weather… What more can you ask for!!

And for the month of JULY the Grand Hotel Excelsior is offering a Special July Malta Dealbookable by end of June 2013. Book a Deluxe Inland Room and get a FREE upgrade to a Deluxe Partial Sea View Room with a 10% discount.

There are so many Things to do in Malta during your holidays especially in the summer months. So if you would like to enjoy a great holiday in Malta stay in a centrally located hotel near Valletta that offers excellent Accommodation and Facilities.